ABOUT US
The Circus Saints & Sinners is a non-sectarian, non-political association of successful professionals dedicated to fellowship and community service through charitable giving. The group’s name serves as a metaphor, with the members—due to their human imperfections—representing “sinners,” who strive to be “saints” of mercy by helping those in need.
HISTORY
The club’s origins date back to 1926 when a small group of circus enthusiasts in New York City founded the Circus Fans Association of America. In 1929, several of them resigned their membership and formed the Circus Saints and Sinners Club of America.
In the early years, the focus was on providing aid to retired circus performers in need of financial assistance. Since then, we’ve evolved into a modern, nonprofit philanthropic organization and now contribute to a multitude of worthy charities.
Where most civic and fraternal organizations have chapters, the Saints and Sinners groups are called “tents” in reference to the canvas tent used to house a circus performance.
FUN. FELLOWSHIP. FUNDRAISING.
For over 90 years, the Circus Saints and Sinners Club of America, and its affiliate tents, has operated with one simple purpose: raising money to help those in need, and to have fun doing it.
2021 – 2022 OFFICERS
National President
Eric Saks
Bob Prince Tent
Pittsburgh, PA
Executive Vice President
Sam Cirifalco
Bob Prince Tent
Pittsburgh, PA
2nd Vice President
Chris Brocious
Dan Rice Tent
Erie, PA
Executive Secretary / Treasurer
Lawson Headley
W.W. Workman Tent
Richmond, VA
General Council
Dave Wyant
Poodles Hanneford Tent
Wheeling, WV
Chairman of the Board
Chuck Wallace
Poodles Hanneford Tent
Wheeling, WV
FUN
FELLOWSHIP
FUNDRAISING
TENT RITUAL
The tent ritual is a statement of purpose and is recited before every meeting and select public events. We repeat it during these occasions to renew our commitment to our mission: making the world a better place by providing financial assistance to those in need. Although we no longer serve retired circus performers, the “old and tired trouper” of yesterday serves as a symbol for the people we help in the present day.